Method and apparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing of a structure

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connecting the plumbing of a tub to the main plumbing of a structure has a drain body which either directly connects to the main plumbing or uses an external pipe and/or a coupler to connect to the main plumbing. The apparatus has a flange which secures the entire apparatus to the mounting surface for the tub. A compression cap aids in guiding plumbing attached to the tub through the apparatus. A gasket aids in creating a water-tight or nearly water-tight seal. A method of using the apparatus aids in ease of installation of the tub.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional applicationof the previously filed United States of America Provisional patentapplication titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING A TUB DRAIN TOTHE MAIN PLUMBING OF A STRUCTURE with an application filing date of Aug.21, 2019 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, withApplication No. 62/889,843 by the same inventive entity. The entirety ofApplication No. 62/889,843 being incorporated herein by reference toprovide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for connecting a tubdrain to the main plumbing of a structure and more particularly to amethod and apparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing ofa structure that can provide efficient installation and removal of thetub. A method of using the same is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The installation of a bathtub (also a “tub”) can be a difficult process.The tub not only has to be placed in a desired location, but also thetub drain has to be connected to the main plumbing of the structure.This can be a difficult process because the parts of the tub drainneeded to make the connection with the main plumbing of the structureare usually on the underside of the tub. Once the tub is placed, thecomponents of the tub drain, as well as the main plumbing of thestructure, cannot be easily accessed.

In new construction, making the connection between the tub drain and themain plumbing of the structure may not be as difficult because theunderside of the tub may be accessible because the sheet rock or othermaterial for the ceiling for the room underneath may not be in place. Ifthe ceiling for the room underneath the room where the tub is beinginstalled has been removed in existing construction, making thisconnection may not be as difficult either. However, once the ceiling forthe room underneath the room where the tub is being installed is inplace, the process of making the connection is much more difficult. Amethod and apparatus that makes the process of connecting the tub drainto the main plumbing of the structure simpler will be a usefulinvention.

It is not only difficult to connect the tub drain to the main plumbingof the house during installation of the tub, but also it is difficult todisconnect during removal of the tub. Once the tub is installed, theconnection between the tub drain and the main plumbing of the structureis underneath the tub and is generally very hard to access withoutremoving the ceiling material of the room underneath. A method andapparatus that simplifies the process of disconnecting the tub drainfrom the main plumbing of the structure will be a useful invention.

Moreover, a water-tight connection or a nearly water-tight connection isneeded between the drain of the tub and the main plumbing of thestructure. If a water-tight connection or nearly water-tight connectionis not made, water can leak from the plumbing and damage any part of thestructure upon which it leaks. A method and apparatus that makesconnecting or disconnecting the tub drain to the main plumbing of thestructure during installation or removal of a tub simpler, but alsocreates a water-tight or nearly water-tight connection, will be a usefulinvention.

Also, tubs vary in size, placement of the drain and plumbing, andplacement of the tub in relation to the existing structure. Theplacement of the drain or the tub can make installation challenging. Amethod and apparatus that accommodates for these variances will be auseful invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is the provision of a method andapparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing of a structurewhich simplifies the process of connecting the tub drain to the mainplumbing of the structure especially when the tub is on a ground floorof the structure or the ceiling of the room underneath the room in whichthe tub is being installed is in place.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing of astructure which simplifies the process of disconnecting the tub drainfrom the main plumbing of the structure when removing a tub especiallywhen the tub is on a ground floor of the structure or the ceiling of theroom underneath the room in which the tub is being installed is inplace.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of amethod and apparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing ofa structure which allows the plumbing of the tub drain to be installedinto the device of this invention by placing a tail pipe attached to thetub drain within the device without fastening the device to the tub.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of amethod and apparatus for connecting a tub drain to the main plumbing ofa structure which creates a water-tight or near water-tight connection.

Finally, an objective of the present invention is the provision of amethod for using the device of this invention to connect a tub drain tothe main plumbing of a structure.

Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thedisclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of device 100 of this invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of device 100 of thisinvention attached to p-trap 106 with p-trap 106, tail pipe 104, andmounting surface 114 and the surrounding structure depicted in phantom.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of device 100.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of device 100.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of the installation of tub102, tub plumbing 116, tail pipe 104, device 100, and p-trap 106 withtub 102, tub plumbing 116, tail pipe 104, p-trap 106, and mountingsurface 114 and the surrounding structure depicted in phantom.

FIG. 6 depicts a process flow chart of method 200 of this invention.

Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears inmore than one figure of the drawings, the same number is appliedthereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Wheneverpossible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in thedrawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts orsteps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale.For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such astop, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear,and front, can be used with respect to the drawings. These and similardirectional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of theinvention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similarterms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote director intermediate connections, but can also include connections throughmediate elements or devices.

Throughout this disclosure, the term structure is used. The termstructure encompasses any building in which a tub can be installed. Thebuilding can be commercial or residential and examples include a hotelor a house and all suitable buildings are encompassed by thisdisclosure.

Throughout the disclosure, the terms “device” and “apparatus” are usedinterchangeably and have the same meaning.

Now adding FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 to theconsideration, the structure and function of device 100 can be clearlyseen. Device 100 connects tub plumbing 116 to the main plumbing of thestructure 110. Main plumbing of the structure 110 may have a p-trap 106.Generally, tub 102 has tub plumbing 116 which can be any suitable tubplumbing including, but not limited to, waste drain pipe 116 a andoverflow drain pipe 116 b. The tub plumbing 116 is attached to a tailpipe 104 and the tail pipe 104 inserts into device 100.

Device 100 may have an optional coupler 160 to attach device 100 top-trap 106. A piece of external pipe 170 may attach to device 100 andthen, external pipe 170 may attach to p-trap 106. Or, the piece ofexternal pipe 170 may attach to coupler 160 and coupler 160 may attachto p-trap 106. Or, the coupler 160 and the external pipe 170 may not bepresent and device 100 attaches directly to p-trap 106. P-trap 106attaches to and is part of the main plumbing 110 of the structure.

P-Trap 106 may be a standard p-trap as is commercially available and inuse in many tub installations. Or, p-trap 106 may be any plumbing deviceor mechanism that aids in connecting the tub plumbing 116 to the mainplumbing 110 of the structure and all such attachment mechanisms areencompassed by this disclosure and are hereinafter referenced as p-trap106. P-trap 106 is part of the main plumbing of the structure 110 and isthe part of the main plumbing of the structure 110 that connects todevice 100, coupler 160, or external pipe 170.

It is preferred that the device 100 of this invention be a single,unitary piece. Coupler 160 is optional. But, if coupler 160 is used,coupler 160 can be part of the single, unitary piece, but it ispreferred that it be a separate piece to allow great flexibility ininstallation of the tub 102 as p-trap 106 may vary in size from onestructure to the next. External pipe 170 is optional. But, if externalpipe 170 is used, external pipe 170 can be part of the single, unitarypiece, but it is preferred that it be a separate piece to allow greatflexibility in installation of the tub 102 as p-trap 106 may vary insize from one structure to the next.

A tail pipe 104 is attached tub plumbing 116 of tub 102. Tail pipe 104inserts into device 100 through drain aperture 112. Water from tub 102exits through tub plumbing 116 to tail pipe 104, travels through device100 (and external pipe 170 and coupler 160, if present) to p-trap 106and finally to the main plumbing 110 of the structure.

Device 100 has a flange 120 that attaches to the mounting surface 114upon which the tub 102 will rest. The flange 120 is attached to themounting surface 114 through flange apertures 122 and any suitablefastener, such as screws or nails, can be utilized and is encompassed bythis disclosure.

Tail pipe 104 is not connected to device 100 through fasteners. Tailpipe 104 is inserted into and rests in device 100 (and external pipe 170and coupler 160, if present) and exits device 100 (and external pipe 170and coupler 160, if present) and enters p-trap 106. The connection isstabilized due to the fact that flange 120 is securely fastened tomounting surface 114 and flange 120 is a unitary piece with the drainbody 150. Flange 120 assists in maintaining a stable connection betweentail pipe 104, device 100 (and external pipe 170 and coupler 160, ifpresent), and p-trap 106 during use of tub 102.

The flange 120 can be any desired shape, but an oval or other ellipticalshape is preferred. The oval-shaped flange 120 can account for differentpositioning of the tub drain and/or plumbing 116. For example, if thetub drain and/or plumbing 116 is on the left hand side of the tub 102and a wall is on the left hand side of the tub 102, the oval-shapedflange 120 can be positioned such that the majority of the oval is onthe right hand side of the tub drain and/or plumbing 116 and faces theright hand side of the tub 102.

Device 100 may have attached to it an external pipe 170. External pipe170 can account for varying configurations of tub plumbing 116, p-trap106, and main structure plumbing 110. External pipe 170 can correct forany deficiencies in the length between attachment end 154 of drain body150 or attachment end 162 of coupler 160 (if present) and p-trap 106.

Device 100 has an optional coupler 160. Coupler 160 connects device 100to p-trap 106. Coupler 160 can aid in attachment when the diameter ofthe attachment end 108 of p-trap 106 is lesser than or greater than thediameter of attachment end 154 of drain body 150 or attachment end 172of external pipe 170 (if present). Coupler 160 can connect p-trap 106 todrain body 150 or external pipe 170 even where there are varyingdiameters of attachment ends 108 and 154 or 172. This provides greatflexibility in the use and installation of device 100.

If coupler 160 is not present, then the attachment end 108 of p-trap 106is directly connected to the attachment end 154 of drain body 150 orattachment end 172 of external pipe 170 (if present).

Drain body 150 is attached to flange 120 and rests below the mountingsurface 114 of the tub 102. Drain body 150 accepts water as it flowsfrom tub plumbing 116 to the tail pipe 104 and ultimately to the mainplumbing 110 of the structure.

Compression cap 130 is attached to the drain body 150 on the upper sideof the drain body 150. Drain body 150 has compression cap ledge 152 andcompression cap 130 is securely attached to drain body 150 throughcompression cap ledge 152. The lip 126 of compression cap 130 rests onthe compression cap ledge 152. Compression cap 130 aids in the placementof the tail pipe 104 in device 100.

Compression cap 130 acts as a guide to direct tail pipe 104 from themounting surface 114 into the drain body 150 and ultimately to p-trap106. Compression cap 130 has a wide upper aperture 134 to receive thetail pipe 104 and sloped sides to guide the tail pipe 104. This isespecially useful in that tub 102 may be awkward and heavy and it willpartially block the view of upper aperture 134 during installation. Thewide upper aperture 134 and sloping sides of compression cap 130 act asa guide. Tail pipe 104 inserts into upper aperture 134 and then, into anarrower lower aperture 136.

Compression cap 130 rests on gasket 140. Gasket 140 has gasket flange142, gasket body 144, and gasket base 146. Gasket flange 142 rests onthe surface of drain body 150. Gasket flange 142 and gasket base 146create a gasket slot 148. Drain body 150 is secured to gasket 140through the interaction of gasket slot 148.

Compression cap 130 has tabs 128. Compression cap 130 is inserted intogasket body 144. Gasket body 144, preferably, completely surrounds drainaperture 112. Tabs 128 of compression cap 130 push gasket body 144toward the drain aperture 112 and keep gasket body 144 in the desiredposition to form a water-tight or near water-tight seal.

Gasket 140 is preferably made of rubber. However, gasket 140 can be madeof any suitable material, and all such materials are encompassed by thisdisclosure.

It is preferable that the diameter of the components of device 100 bethe greatest at the upper aperture 134 of the compression cap 130 anddecrease at the lower aperture 136 and continue to decrease throughdrain body 150 (and external pipe 170, if present, is preferablycomparable in diameter to drain body 150) and decrease further atcoupler 160. This continuous decrease in diameter creates a funneleffect to make device 100 as water-tight as possible.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the installation of device 100 can beclearly seen. Tub 102 has attached to it tub plumbing 116, which caninclude waste drain pipe 116 a and overflow drain pipe 116 b. Tail pipe104 is attached to tub plumbing 116. Tail pipe (which is now attached totub plumbing 116 and tub 102) is inserted into device 100 through theupper aperture 134 of compression cap 130.

Now adding FIG. 6 to the consideration, method 200 can be clearly seen.Method 200 has the following steps. As will be obvious to persons ofordinary skill in the art, the steps, or steps equivalent thereto, maybe practiced in any reasonable order which will produce the desiredresult.

STEP 202 is the surface preparation step. In STEP 202, a mountingaperture 118 is created in the mounting surface 114. The mountingaperture 118 must be appropriately sized to receive device 100.

STEP 204 is an optional device preparation step. In optional STEP 204, apiece of external pipe 170 may be cut and attached to attachment end 154of drain body 150. The desired size is the length of external pipe 170necessary to correct any deficiencies in the length between the distancebetween attachment end 154 of drain body 150 or attachment end 162 ofcoupler 160 (if coupler 160 is present) and the attachment end 108 ofp-trap 106 when device 100 is installed in the final position. Thediameter of the external pipe 170 and the attachment end 154 ispreferably compatible. It is preferable to attach external pipe 170 toattachment end 154 with glue, but any suitable fastener or adhesive canbe used and is encompassed by this disclosure.

STEP 206 is an optional coupler preparation step. In this STEP 206, thecoupler 160 with diameters on opposing ends to match attachment ends 108and 154 or 172 is preferably first attached to attachment end 154 ofdrain body 150 or attachment end 172 of external pipe 170. Coupler 160is preferably attached to attachment end 154 or 172 with glue, but anysuitable adhesive or fastener can be used and is encompassed by thisdisclosure.

STEP 208 is the device installation step. In this STEP 208, device 100is positioned within mounting aperture 118. Device 100 is aligned soflange 120 is accommodated by the walls of the structure or any otherobjects or barriers that are present. If present, attachment end 162 ofcoupler 160 is aligned with and then attached to attachment end 108.Attachment end 162 of coupler 160 is preferably attached to attachmentend 108 with glue, but any suitable adhesive or fastener can be used andis encompassed by this disclosure.

As an alternative, if neither coupler 160 nor external pipe 170 isutilized, device 100 is positioned within mounting aperture 118. Device100 is aligned so flange 120 is accommodated by the walls of thestructure or any other objects or barriers that are present. Attachmentend 154 is aligned with and then attached to attachment end 108.Attachment end 154 is preferably attached to attachment end 108 withglue, but any suitable adhesive or fastener can be used and isencompassed by this disclosure.

As a second alternative, if coupler 160 is not utilized, but externalpipe 170 is utilized, device 100 is positioned within mounting aperture118. Device 100 is aligned so flange 120 is accommodated by the walls ofthe structure or any other objects or barriers that are present.Attachment end 172 is aligned with and then attached to attachment end108. Attachment end 172 is preferably attached to attachment end 108with glue, but any suitable adhesive or fastener can be used and isencompassed by this disclosure.

STEP 210 is the device securing step. In this STEP 210, device 100 issecured to the mounting surface 114 through flange 120. Device 100 canbe secured through the cooperation of fasteners and flange apertures122. Fasteners can be screws or any appropriate fastener and all suchfasteners are encompassed by this disclosure. Or, flange 120 of device100 can be secured to mounting surface 114 through cement or any otherappropriate adhesive and all such adhesives are encompassed by thisdisclosure.

STEP 212 is an optional mounting surface finishing step. In STEP 212,the mounting surface 114 is finished with tile, marble, or any othersuitable finishing material.

STEP 214 is the tail pipe installation step. In STEP 214, the tail pipe104 is cut to a desired measurement and the desired measurement is onethat the tail pipe will extend from the tub drain and/or plumbing 116and reach the p-trap 106 when inserted through device 100. Then, thetail pipe 104 is attached to the tub plumbing 116 which may includewaste and overflow drain pipes 116 a and 116 b. Preferably the tail pipe104 is attached to the tub plumbing 116 in a male to female threadedrelationship or through a friction lock relationship, but any suitableattachment between tail pipe 104 and tub plumbing 116 can be used and isencompassed by this disclosure.

STEP 216 is the tub installation step. In STEP 216, the tub 102 islifted and flipped to a use position. The tail pipe 104 is aligned withthe upper aperture 134 of the compression cap 130. Tail pipe 104 isinserted into the upper aperture 134 and pushed downward until itreaches the p-trap 106. The placement of tub 102 is adjusted until thetub 102 is in the desired position. A lubricant may be applied to tailpipe 104 before it is inserted into device 100 and any suitable andappropriate lubricant can be used and is encompassed by this disclosure.

While various embodiments and aspects of the present invention have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the present invention should not be limited by any of the aboveexemplary embodiments.

This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification,claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information fora person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention asdisclosed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention arewell within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this artafter that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure,modification of this device and method can become clear to a personhaving ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications areclearly covered by this disclosure.

1. An apparatus for connecting at least one piece of plumbing of a drainof a tub to at least one piece of main plumbing of a structurecomprising: a) the apparatus having a drain body, wherein the drain bodyis operably connected to the at least one piece of main plumbing of thestructure; b) the drain body being connected to a flange, wherein theflange assists with securing the apparatus to a mounting surface; c) acompression cap secured on an upper side of the drain body, wherein thecompression cap aids in the placement of a tail pipe within the drainbody; and d) a gasket between the compression cap and the drain body,wherein the gasket secures the connection between the compression capand the drain body.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a)the drain body having an attachment end and the at least one piece ofmain plumbing of the structure having an attachment end; b) theattachment end of the drain body and the attachment end of the at leastone piece of main plumbing of the structure having different diameters;and c) a coupler being able to accept the attachment end of the drainbody on a first side of the coupler and the coupler being able to acceptthe attachment end of the at least one piece of main plumbing of thestructure on a second side of the coupler, wherein the coupler attachesthe attachment end of the drain body to the attachment end of the atleast one piece of main plumbing of the structure.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a) the drain body having a compression capslot to secure the connection between the drain body and the compressioncap; and b) the gasket having a gasket slot to secure the connectionbetween the drain body and the gasket.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2further comprising: a) the drain body having a compression cap slot tosecure the connection between the drain body and the compression cap;and b) the gasket having a gasket slot to secure the connection betweenthe drain body and the gasket.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a) a base of the compression cap inserting into a body ofthe gasket, wherein the base of the compression cap has at least onetab, further wherein the at least one tab aids in pushing the gasketinto a drain aperture.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:a) a base of the compression cap inserting into a body of the gasket,wherein the base of the compression cap has at least one tab, furtherwherein the at least one tab aids in pushing the gasket into a drainaperture.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a) a base ofthe compression cap inserting into a body of the gasket, wherein thebase of the compression cap has at least one tab, further wherein the atleast one tab aids in pushing the gasket into a drain aperture.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a) a base of the compressioncap inserting into a body of the gasket, wherein the base of thecompression cap has at least one tab, further wherein the at least onetab aids in pushing the gasket into a drain aperture.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1 further comprising: a) the compression cap, the flange, thegasket, and the drain body being a single, unitary piece.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a) the compression cap, theflange, the gasket, and the drain body being a single, unitary piece.11. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a) the compression cap,the flange, the gasket, the drain body, and the coupler, being a single,unitary piece.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a) theflange being an elliptical shape.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2 furthercomprising: a) the flange being an elliptical shape.
 14. The apparatusof claim 3 further comprising: a) The flange being an elliptical shape.15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a) at least one pieceof external pipe connecting to the attachment end of the drain body,wherein the at least one piece of external pipe connects the drain bodyto the at least one piece of main plumbing of the structure.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a) at least one piece ofexternal pipe connecting to the attachment end of the drain body,wherein the at least one piece of external pipe connects the drain bodyto the coupler, further wherein the coupler attaches the drain body tothe at least one piece of main plumbing of the structure.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a) at least one piece ofexternal pipe connecting to the attachment end of the drain body,wherein the at least one piece of external pipe connects the drain bodyto the at least one piece of main plumbing of the structure.
 18. Amethod of installing a tub comprising: a) obtaining a device forconnecting at least one piece of plumbing of a drain of a tub to atleast one piece of plumbing of a structure and preparing a surface uponwhich the tub will rest; b) aligning the device with the at least onepiece of plumbing of the structure; c) attaching the apparatus to the atleast one piece of plumbing of the structure; d) attaching a tail pipeto the at least one piece of plumbing of a drain of a tub; and e)aligning the tail pipe with the device and inserting the tail pipe intothe device.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: a) securingthe device to the mounting surface through a flange, wherein the flangeis positioned in relation to at least one piece of plumbing of a drainof a tub and at least one surrounding wall of the structure; b) securingthe connection between the tail pipe and the device with a gasket,wherein the gasket is positioned on top of a drain body and beneath andon an inner side of a compression cap, further wherein the compressioncap helps retain the position of the gasket; and c) positioning the tailpipe within an upper aperture of the compression cap, wherein the upperaperture has a larger aperture in comparison with a lower aperture ofthe compression cap, further wherein the upper aperture acts to guidethe tail pipe into the drain body.
 20. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising: a) using a coupler to attach the drain body to the at leastone piece of plumbing of the structure.